Union Railway Minister D.V. Sadanada Gowda on Thursday described the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana scheme as a harbinger of good fortunes as it would integrate poorest of the poor with bank accounts.
“Opening bank accounts is an imperative as development is often hampered to this singular disability. This will help the common man to come out of the clutches of local money-lenders and have access to cheap credit,” Mr. Gowda said, inaugurating the state-level launch of the (PMJDY), at a function here on Thursday.
To the requests on improving railway connectivity in Kerala, Mr. Gowda said that the ministry would favourably consider the demands raised by the parliament members and state government. “All possible assistance for developing rail connectivity in Kerala will be given on a priority basis,” he announced.
Fisheries Minister K. Babu, who presided over the event, said that the state government was embarking on a programme to expand its financial inclusion programme by opening women-exclusive bank accounts, in addition to implementing an e-grants programme for children.
Regarding an earlier statement by the Union railway minister asking the State to share half the cost of upcoming railway projects, Mr. Babu said the State government was not in a position to make financial contributions at this juncture. Further, he also raised the case for developing the Tripunithura railway station, which also served as a gateway to the Idukki district.
Speaking on the occasion, Ernakulam MP K.V. Thomas requested the railway minister to have a positive approach toward the development needs of Kerala and thanked him for the decision to revive the old railway station in Ernakulam.
